How to Get Into Stand-up Comedy Because You’re a Punishment Glutton
People keep telling you how funny you are? You always have a great joke in any situation, but there is no one to tell it to? Have you always thought it might be worth trying to get up? Well, you also probably know that stand-up comedy is notoriously hard to break into, but it can be done. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ve ever wanted to try it.
Be prepared to spend a lot of time preparing
Obviously, you’ll want to start spending open-mic evenings at local venues, but even if you get a seat, you’ll spend a lot more time getting ready and planning than actually being on stage.
“It’s a lot longer than people think,” said Eitan Levin , a 32-year-old comedian from New York. “Writing, microphones and commuting is crazy.”
Long before he took up stand-up, which led to his current mainstream gig, writing and filming videos for brands and YouTube channels, Levine started keeping a joke diary as a kid. You will spend a lot of time writing and rewriting jokes, so you better keep a diary too.
Interact with the comedy community
Sure, the stand-up community is fun, but it’s also serious business. You must be online ready. According to Levin, the hardest part about a stand-up is to “literally navigate the community.”
“You need maps and Google Docs to navigate the open microphone schedule and manage subscriptions,” he joked. “Sometimes you just need to show your face on a show where you are not participating in order for the person to recognize you and possibly order you in a few months. Knowing the gatekeepers and who you really have a chance to get something from is another part of it. “
Kelsey Kane , a 29-year-old New York comedian and founder of the Two Scoops Network, noted that it is much more difficult to access the world of stand-up artists if you are not your average white guy.
She said sexism was the most unexpected problem she faced when trying to book a show and climb the comedy ranks. She also quoted what she calls a “sex offender,” adding sarcastically, “So many sex offenders are doing stand-up comedies. It seems like stand-up comedy is an environment where sex offenders can joke about attacking people as a tactic to distract from how they actually attack people. ”
Cain is right about that. Comedy, like many other industries, has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years. Comedian Bill Cosby was even found guilty of assault and jailed, although his prison sentence was lifted , and the verdict is canceled earlier this year.
Know that everyone has a different sense of humor, and you’ll almost certainly come across jokes that will offend or disgust you, but you don’t have to stay in situations that are uncomfortable for you, even if staying or pretending to be careless seems like the only option. for advancement.
You can also find your own community. Yes, the world of comedy can be closed and guarded by some influential figures, but times are changing! You can and should look for your own community where you can learn, grow, collaborate and laugh.
“Go to the microphone … find a place to play an inclusive comedy, otherwise it will eat your soul,” Kane said.
If you like it, don’t give up
Sometimes even the greatest comics are the bomb. This is part of the process. Don’t give up on this dream for one or two bad shows (or 20).
“I think people also don’t understand how many shows you do, even if you“ did it, ”Levin said. “Also, there is no concept of ‘do it’ – it just changes the meaning every six months. You have to really, really, really love these things in order to stay motivated to do it long enough to see the “bounce” (which is quoted in the quotes because it is more than just financial returns). The amount of effort to have small victories in this world is insane. “
Come to the show. Take notes about other sets. To make friends. Then make your way into space, whatever the cost, and write some anecdotes about what you’ve learned.